Pac-12 picks: The Sun Bowl

Five of the eight bowl games involving Pac-12 teams are in, and the league is having less than a stellar post-season at 2-3. But the Oregon State-Texas Alamo Bowl was a good one decided by one play — nothing for the Beavers to be ashamed of. You can’t say the same for UCLA’s embarrassing 49-26 clocking by Baylor in the Holiday Bowl, in which the Bruins seemed not only slower but outprepared.

USC (minus 8)-Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl — I’ve thought all along USC would have its hands full in this game, despite the fact the Ramblin’ Wreck is only 6-7. The bowl has to be a downer for the Trojans, who had national-championship aspirations entering the season, while Tech will come ready, having lost seven straight bowl games and playing a nationally renowned team. Update: The LA Daily News says the expected weather is 20-25 mph winds, with gusts of 40, so that doesn’t play real well into the USC throwing game. I expect the Tech option to give USC fits, and now Troy will be without Matt Barkley, still out with the shoulder injury sustained against UCLA. Saturday, Marqise Lee missed most of USC’s practice with a slight left-knee injury, and while he should play, his absence would be another big blow for the Trojans. Either way, this should be a scrap. If Lee misses the game, I’d pick Tech to win it. As is, we’ll assume Lee plays, and make it: USC 37, Georgia Tech 31.